Applying Constructionist Principles to Online Teacher Professional Development

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This report explores the first iteration of a teacher professional development courseletgrounded in constructionist theory and activities. This online teacher professional development(oTPD) courselet provided opportunities for teachers to engage in just-in-time, ongoingTPD within a social networking site for educators. The topic of the oTPD was Roboticsand Hands-on Activities in the Classroom. The courselet was designed for teachers who areinterested in integrating constructionist pedagogies into their practice. Key findings of thefirst delivery of the oTPD courselet point to a need for flexible access, sharing of resources,and support for constructionist pedagogical activities as a PD value for participants. Findingsfurther support the potential for an ongoing online community of practice around roboticsin the classroom. The approach taken in this oTPD courselet of study continues toinform a model of oTPD delivery within a social-networking-enabled environment.

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Ostashewski, N. and Moisey, S. and Reid, D. 2011. Applying Constructionist Principles to Online Teacher Professional Development. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. 12 (6): pp. 143-156.

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The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning

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